Wuxia Tale: Hua in Bloom

Followed

(PRINCE JIN)

Disgarding my Princely robe for a commoners garb is nothing new for me. I like slipping outside the walls of the Palace to walk in the market place and mixed myself with the common people.

My two guards are used to my antics. They also donned their commoner's robes and carry their swords before we left the Palace.

I need to leave the Palace and it's suffocating walls after the talk I had with my father, the Emperor, last night.

"The Wangs are still against your match with their daughter..." my father said.

"General Wang is still against it after you talk to him?"

My sire nodded, "He outright refused the match. Saying his daughter is still young..."

"Or he promised his daughter that he will let her choose her husband. I had an encounter with Wang Hua and she told me that we won't suit at all. But I think I need her, your Majesty..."

My sire nodded again, "You need General Wang's protection and his skillful lover. The problem is, I don't know what to say or what we can do to give you a chance to be accepted to their family..."

Yes, that's the problem. To marry Wang Hua, I need to get accepted in that family. I need General Wang's approval. His lover's approval. Wang Hua's affection. So many things...

I am most intrigued on General Wang's lover. When I read the soldier's report and Coronel Dee's letter about the events that happened two years ago, I couldn't believe it myself. One man against sixty or more rebels. One man who moves like a shadow and kill without mercy.

I want to meet such a man. But the manager of the Wang estate is an enigma. The rumors about him is repetitive. He is the manager of Wang Estate as well as the tutor and carer of Wang Hua and her twin brother. He is pleasant to look at and quite generous to the Wang's servants and slaves.

That's it. That's all the rumors circulating about the man.

I stopped in front of the massive front gate of the Wang Estate.

"Your Highness?" Yong stopped one step behind me said in a questioning tone.

"I wonder," I said while marveling, "If I knock and ask for an entry, will they welcome me?"

"Why not?" Manchu asked puzzledly.

I turned to face my guards, "They don't approve of me for their daughter."

"Because she is a naive girl who wants love." Yong sighed. Looking at the walled up estate, "What exactly are they teaching that girl?"

"I don't know as well," I sighed. "Let's go," I signaled them to follow me. I don't think I want to test fate and get rejected once again. I had enough rejection from this family today.

We were a few phases away when we heard a gate opening. We look back and saw someone emerged from the gate of the Wang Estate. Garb in a simple walking dress, Wang Hua smiled at a middle aged woman.

She pat the older woman's hands before waving and going on the other direction as us.

We should follow her, I think.